Ranger (Fixed term/ Secondment)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai in Christchurch is looking for a physically capable team member to support three projects—Te Waihora Weed Strikeforce, Kahuria Te Waihora, and the Tārerekautuku Wetland Project— with weed control, pest management and native planting to protect indigenous biodiversity.

The role is full-time, fixed term or secondment until June 2027, based at Sockburn/Mahaanui Office.

Qualifications

• Experience in varied weed control methods, willow ID, native restoration planting beneficial.
• Current full driver license required; ability to perform repetitive outdoor work long-term.

Responsibilities

• Ecological weed control.
• Animal pest control.
• Eco-sourced planting.
• Plant maintenance.

Skills

Ecological weed control

Animal pest control

Eco-sourced planting

Plant maintenance

Tools

Growsafe

Kayak training

Wader training

Scrub bar

4WD training

First Aid

Job description

Exciting opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to benefit conservation outcomes. Salary range: $61,189 - $67,446 Full time, fixed term or secondment until June 2027, based at Sockburn/Mahaanui Office, Christchurch.

About the role

This is an opportunity to join a team who work across three projects – Te Waihora Weed Strikeforce, Kahuria Te Waihora, and the Tārerekautuku Wetland Project. Each project has independent funding which we've combined to create full time work. The aim of all three projects is to protect and enhance the indigenous biodiversity of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The tasks are physically demanding and are often situated in un-tracked wetlands where environmental conditions can be harsh. Although physically demanding, the work can be incredibly rewarding as we continue to make a positive change at a landscape scale on the margins of Te Waihora.

• ecological weed control
• animal pest control
• eco-sourced planting
• plant maintenance

Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: experience in varied methods of weed control, particularly for willow plant identification native restoration planting experience current, full driver license required ability to do repetitive physical work long-term.

• Growsafe certificate
• kayak training
• wader training
• scrub bar experience
• 4WD experience and training
• First Aid certificate

About the team

The team in the Mahaanui District delivers the broad range of conservation work from the Rakaia River in the south to the Conway River (just south of Kaikoura) in the north. This includes the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area. There are also a range of terrestrial biodiversity values, threats, conservation areas and recreation opportunities that require protection and maintenance. The District manages an offshore island with high biodiversity values, has a base in Akaroa, a native plant nursery at Motukarara and a visitor centre in the city centre.

What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Eligibility

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13 September 2026.

Our vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga.

Contact

For further enquiries, please contact Gary Boyd Supervisor [e-mail]

About DOC

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles.

Salary: $61,189 - $67,446 depending on skills and experience.